Anger as kitchen items, household waste and Christmas packaging left strewn across Clermiston fields

The site has often fallen victim to fly-tippers.
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Furious residents have demanded that the sea of litter and junk strewn across fields at Drumbrae Crescent be tackled immediately by Edinburgh City Council.

Kitchen items, household waste and Christmas packaging can all be found spread across the fields and bushes in front of Drumbrae Leisure Centre. The site has often fallen victim to fly-tippers who dump their litter across the green space.

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Councillor Mark Brown, who represents the Drum Brae & Gyle Ward, said: “I have raised the fly-tipping issue in this area with the environment and health at the council. This area is often subject to community litter pick-ups and people need to understand the impact that this has on the local environment.

Rubbish is strewn across the grass in front of Drumbrae Leisure Centre.Rubbish is strewn across the grass in front of Drumbrae Leisure Centre.
Rubbish is strewn across the grass in front of Drumbrae Leisure Centre.

“I am deeply disappointed that adults continue to fly-tip and blight the landscape of the community. I will continue to raise this issue as it is an eyesore and is a peak concern for the impact it must be having on animals and wildlife in the area.”

'Terrible eyesore'

It is understood that the area along Clermiston Crescent is frequently attended to by local school, Beaver and Scout groups who carry out regular litter pick-ups. But residents believe that local groups can no longer be solely responsible for the clean-up efforts.

Lucie Allan, a resident of Clermiston, has suggested organising a community clean-up, something that Cllr Brown has vowed to “get involved in and support”.

More rubbish.More rubbish.
More rubbish.
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Steven Thompson, 21, also of Clermiston, said: “It’s been getting worse and worse over the past few months. It’s a terrible eye sore, I’m really hopeful something is done about this.”

The recycling area at the Edinburgh Leisure centre is often abused by individuals who drop off materials and waste that is non-recyclable.

Lynne Bauba, manager at Drumbrae Leisure Centre said: “It’s so disappointing that a few individuals can spoil the outlook for others, with their fly-tipping and dropping of litter on these valuable green spaces.

“It doesn’t take much for people to take their litter home or dispose of rubbish responsibly and take pride in the area where they live.”

Kitchen items, household waste and Christmas packaging can all be found spread across the fields and bushes in front of Drumbrae Leisure CentreKitchen items, household waste and Christmas packaging can all be found spread across the fields and bushes in front of Drumbrae Leisure Centre
Kitchen items, household waste and Christmas packaging can all be found spread across the fields and bushes in front of Drumbrae Leisure Centre
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Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for the Lothians, said: “I know many people locally will be dismayed to see the amount of stuff just dumped in that spot, especially when the vast majority are responsible with litter and waste.

A council spokesperson said: “Thanks to the community for bringing this to our attention. We are currently investigating the matter and have arranged for the site to be cleaned.

Fly-tipping is illegal and we don’t hesitate to take action against people who dispose of their waste in this irresponsible manner and can issue fixed penalties of £200. Information from the public helps us to tackle this problem, so I would urge people to report any incidents of fly-tipping to us.”